Only children in China - more stable, extroverted and pro-social

[Earthstar]

interesting research into only children in China where 35% of children are raised in one child families

Here is an extract:

What are the common personalities traits of the only child?

This issue was first investigated in 1988 in a study entitled ?Non-only-child" Children. 1,465 elementary school children in Chang Chung, Jilin Provice participated in this study. Although the backgrounds of the parents are almost the same, the result indicates that only-child children tend to be more willing to help others than non-only-child children. In other words, only-child children show a high degree of sociality. Another trait found in only-child children is that they are likely to be less introverted than non-only-child children. This result is based on a comparison between 73 only-child children and 188 non-only-child children among undergraduate students of a university in Tianjin. The third trait is that only-child children show a lesser degree of anxiety including depression than non-only-child children. The result was obtained from the students of Wuhan University. In sum, these results suggest that only-child children are more stable, extroverted and pro-social. These traits are inconsistent with the earlier studies.

1. Are only-child children well developed socially?

The result indicates that, in general, there is no difference between only-child children and non-only-child children. The study on children?s self-image with 87 elementary school children in Xi?an suggests that it is not only-child children but rather non-only-child children who are frailer. The result is consistent with what Professor Wei mentioned this morning. Another study with 200 to 600 elementary school children and junior high school students in Nanjing and Inner Mongolia shows that only-child children have a stronger motivation to interact socially and better social skills compared to non-only-child children.

Interesting but each individual study only has quite small numbers so hard to reach any firm conclusions about the human race in general.

More interesting to me is that the quoted rate of one child families is so low - I thought it was the law in China (apart from some ethnic minorities) and enforced very harshly?

I wonder if the fact that they have a high percentage of only children makes a difference though.

My eldest was an only until she was 5.5 (so not very old) and the problem was finding other families where the parents wanted their children to socialise at weekends/after school etc because they had no need to because they had a few children at home and played with each other. However, with a higher % of only children there is more incentive to be outgoing etc because you are likely to find it reciprocated from other onlys.

Does that make sense?

Agree with you on both points edam

My mother's an only child and I have noticed she builds VERY close friendships - usually has had one or two very devoted friends as well as a wider group of quite close people. (Because of house moves and deaths, these haven't been the same two people throughout her adult life.)

Ds is an only as well and seems quite sociable so far... But he's only 6 so hard to make any grand statements about that.

I live in China and have done for 16 years am English & also have only 1 child ( by choice)My first hand experience is that the above traits come from the following:Chinese culture is still very much centred around the family and extended family.Grandparents generally live with the family and are the childs primary care givers whilst both parents work.It is not uncommon for married siblings to live together in the family home. Divorce rates are very low.Living within a household of many age groups brings many advantages regarding communication socialisiation and tolerance.children are raised to respect and regard elders and have duties that are expected of them. They spend time with older grandparents who teach them and pass on values and tradition.I totally agree and have observed Chinese children ( if not over indulged ) are more aware of others needs and show empathy far sooner than that of their western counterparts.Compared to the western children in my daughters class the chinese children will be the first to stand up and sing/ pose for photos / do as they are told without answering back.I totally disagree about the depression. There is an alarming rate of child suicide here , probably far moreso than the UK.( I think the reporting of it doesnt reach the west)There is massive expectations on the children.Education is not free so everychild is expcted to be a superstar. Good school places are lacking and so with only 1 child the entire family funds all sorts of tutors/extra classes to ensure the child excels at everything. Education is highly prized and competitive.Without social security benefits & pensions children "pay back the investment in education " to their parents with a monthly pension - hence it is expected the child gets a well paid job eventually.For many children the expectations are unatainable.Drug use is starting to be reported amongst secondary school children.The main advantage western children have is being able to form their own opinions from an early age and being allowed and encouraged to think for themselves and think outside the box. The "leaders" within the school class are almost always western children. I believe the self confidence within the chinese children comes foremost from the constant encouragement and support recieved from within tight knit family and extended family.When travelling back to the UK 3-4 times per year I am constantly astounded at how some parents yell/ swear/cuss/humiliate/drag their children. This cant be good for a childs self esteem. Its not something you see too often here.

Forgot to add -
the study is flawed as it doesnt state what % from the more than 1 child household are female.This would affect the claim they are frailer than the single child.

I wld be wary about the independence and impartiality of this research and it's findings. It was conducted by a Chinese University. The Chinese state is known to be controlling and I wonder how free a Chinese university would be to find against the one child policy.